In a speech today, former President Donald Trump called for an end to the United States providing foreign aid without expecting anything in return.
Trump stated that the US should stop being “stupid” and giving away money as foreign aid when there is no “payback.” He argued that going forward, any aid given to other countries should be structured as loans with favorable terms, rather than outright grants of taxpayer dollars.
The former president claimed the current practice of providing foreign aid with no strings attached makes the US appear weak and being taken advantage of globally. He asserted that by transforming this aid into loans, even with minimal or no interest and flexible repayment terms, it would instill a sense of obligation in recipient nations.
“No longer should we be stupid or give money anymore without the hope of a payback,” Trump declared. He added that the US Senate needs to understand this and reform foreign aid policy accordingly.
Foreign aid involves the US government providing funding to assist other countries through purposes such as disaster relief, health initiatives, and economic development. It is seen as an instrument of soft power and humanitarian outreach.
However, critics like Trump argue the tens of billions spent annually on foreign aid yields little tangible return for the US. They say requiring loans would properly align incentives and provide at least some mechanism for aid recipients to eventually give back.
Supporters of foreign aid counter that it already provides economic and national security benefits by promoting stability abroad. They caution tying aid to loans risks doing more harm if terms become too stringent for poor nations to ever repay.
The clash of perspectives on foreign aid comes as the Senate considers a bipartisan deal that would provide $60 billion to Ukraine along with aid to Israel and other countries. Trump has pressured Republicans to oppose the package and handle border security and foreign aid through separate bills.
The fate of the aid deal remains uncertain. However, Trump’s remarks signal foreign aid policy will likely remain a contentious issue in the 2024 presidential race. With the election looking to be a rematch between Trump and President Biden, their opposing views on aid without reciprocity will be one more dividing line for voters to weigh.